DX LISTENING DIGEST 5-043, March 11, 2005
Incorporating REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING
edited by Glenn Hauser, http://www.worldofradio.com
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For restrixions and searchable 2005 contents archive see
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NOTE: If you are a regular reader of DXLD, and a source of DX news but
have not been sending it directly to us, please consider yourself
obligated to do so. Thanks, Glenn
NEXT AIRINGS OF WORLD OF RADIO 1266:
Sat 0900 WOR WRN1 to Eu, Au, NZ, WorldSpace AfriStar, AsiaStar,
Telstar 12 SAm
Sat 0955 WOR WNQM Nashville TN 1300
Sat 1130 WOR WWCR 5070
Sat 2030 WOR R. Lavalamp
Sun 0330 WOR WWCR 5070
Sun 0400 WOR WBCQ 9330-CLSB
Sun 0430 WOR WRMI 7385
Sun 0730 WOR WWCR 3210
Sun 0930 WOR WRN1 to North America, also WLIO-TV Lima OH SAP
Sun 0930 WOR KSFC Spokane WA 91.9
Sun 0930 WOR WXPN Rhinelander WI 91.7 91.9 100.9
Sun 0930 WOR WDWN Auburn NY 89.1 [unconfirmed]
Sun 0930 WOR KTRU Houston TX 91.7 [occasional]
Sun 1030 WOR WRMI 9955
Sun 1100 WOR R. Lavalamp
Sun 1400 WOR KRFP-LP Moscow ID 92.5
Sun 1500 WOR R. Lavalamp
Sun 2000 WOR Studio X, Momigno, Italy 1584 87.35 96.55 105.55
Sun 2100 WOR RNI
Mon 0330 WOR WRMI 7385
Mon 0400 WOR WBCQ 9330-CLSB
Mon 0430 WOR WSUI Iowa City IA 910 [Extra 54]
Mon 0530 WOR WBCQ 7415
Mon 0900 WOR R. Lavalamp
Mon 1700 WOR WBCQ after hours
Tue 0700 WOR WPKN Bridgeport CT 89.5
Tue 1000 WOR WRMI 9955
Tue 1700 WOR WBCQ after hours
Wed 1030 WOR WWCR 9985
Wed 1700 WOR WBCQ after hours
MORE info including audio links: http://worldofradio.com/radioskd.html
ON DEMAND:
http://new.wrn.org/listeners/stations/station.php?StationID=24
OUR ONDEMAND AUDIO [also for CONTINENT OF MEDIA, MUNDO RADIAL]
WORLD OF RADIO 1266 (high version):
(stream) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1266h.ram
(download) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1266h.rm
WORLD OF RADIO 1266 (low version):
(stream) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1266.ram
(download) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1266.rm
(summary) http://www.worldofradio.com/wor1266.html
WORLD OF RADIO 1266 in the true shortwave sound of 7415:
(stream) http://www.piratearchive.com/media/worldofradio_03-09-05.m3u
(d`load) http://www.piratearchive.com/media/worldofradio_03-09-05.mp3
** AFGHANISTAN. JOB OPENING: RADIO SOUND TECHNICIAN
Date posted : 28/02/2005 Deadline: 30/03/2005
Department : Aina Kabul, Afghanistan
Direct superior : Wave Media Manager
Date and duration of the position : 6 months renewable
About AINA : Aïna is an international NGO dedicated to the
reconstruction of civil society through local independent media and
culture projects. At present, our activities in Afghanistan include:
Eight media and cultural centers in Kabul and in the provinces; A
radio production unit; A video production unit: A photojournalism
agency; A communication agency; A national radio monitoring
department; and a print press department supporting 7 publications.
Approximately 250 Afghans and 25 expatriates work with Aina in
Afghanistan . More details at http://www.ainaworld.org
(via Dr Hansjoerg Biener, March 10, DXLD) Plus 7 other job openings
** ANTARCTICA. 15476.11, Radio Nacional Arcángel S. Gabriel, Base
Esperanza, 4 March, 2030 to 2100 when killed by co-channel signal.
Fair to poor reception of music (Robert Wilkner, Pómpano Beach FL,
Japan Premium via DXLD)
** ARGENTINA. RAE, R. Nacional, 15345.16, 2310-2320+ March 6, fútbol
game with usual exuberant announcer. Radio Nacional ID, ad jingles.
Fair. \\ 6059.96 poor with co-channel QRM and adjacent channel
splatter (Brian Alexander, Mechanicsburg PA, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** ARGENTINA. New RCI relays: see CANADA [non]
** AUSTRALIA [non]. ABC [= Radio Australia] A-05 via external sites:
6120 0000 0030 smtwtfs ABC Singapore 250 140 Indonesian SE AS
9720 2300 2330 smtwtfs ABC Singapore 100 13 Khmer SE AS
9770 1330 1400 ......s ABC Rampisham 500 95 English W EUR
11550 0900 0930 smtwtfs ABC Taipei 250 205 Indonesian SE AS
11550 2130 2330 smtwtfs ABC Taipei 250 205 Indonesian SE AS
11920 0500 0530 smtwtfs ABC Singapore 250 13 Khmer SE AS
11920 0530 0600 smtwtfs ABC Singapore 250 13 Vietnamese SE AS
12010 1300 1430 smtwtfs ABC Singapore 100 13 Mandarin CHN
15110 2330 2400 smtwtfs ABC Taipei 250 225 Vietnamese SE AS
21780 0400 0430 smtwtfs ABC Dhabbaya 250 120 Indonesian SE AS
(from VT A05 schedule via Michael Bethge via Wolfgang Bueschel via
Andreas Volk via Alokesh Gupta, dxldyg via DXLD)
** AUSTRALIA. CHANGES AT RADIO AUSTRALIA
The Radio Australia program has been radically altered as of February
28th; thanks to John Figliozzi and Roger Broadbent, here is a summary
of the changes.
First off, the following programs are departing the Radio Australia
schedule: The Planet, Life Matters, Bush Telegraph, Country Breakfast,
Hindsight, Book Talk, Verbatim, The Pulse, Music Deli, and Australian
Country Style. Many of these programs (except The Pulse and Australian
Country Style) originate at Australia’s domestic Radio National
service, and you can still catch these programs live on Radio National
as well as on demand at the Radio National website,
http://www.abc.net.au/rn
Here are the new programs, their air times, and their subjects:
Big Ideas (Mondays 0405, Fridays 1705) – This is a Radio National show
that used to go by the name Sunday Special. Big Ideas brings lectures,
conversations, features and special series from Australia and around
the world. Currently there’s an eight-part series called Australia
Forums; it`s a series of eight programs in which historian and
broadcaster, Michael Cathcart, discusses some of the really big issues
facing Australia – issues such as water, population, indigenous
issues, social class, national defense. Three editions of Australia
Forums will air in March.
Saturday Breakfast (Fridays, 2030 to 2300) – This, too, originates
from Radio National and is a lively array of stories and features
covering a range of topics including world affairs, business, the
environment, architecture, food and design. The architecture piece is
hosted by Alan Saunders – you may remember him from The Comfort Zone,
which is no longer produced. Saturday Breakfast is hosted by Geraldine
Doogue, who used to host Life Matters. This airtime corresponds to the
live airing on Radio National.
MovieTime (Fridays 1105) – also from Radio National, MovieTime is
Radio National's comprehensive wrap of movie reviews, interviews and
behind-the-scenes information presented by Julie Rigg. There's also a
weekly Film Forum and Rigg's Picks, Julie's movie recommendations and
reviews. Actors portrayed aren`t specifically Aussie; a recent week’s
edition included a portrait of Jeff Bridges.
The Ark (Thursdays 0315) – returns to Radio Australia; it has aired
all along on Radio National. Rachael Kohn talks to some of the world's
leading religious historians and authors about curious moments in
religious history that shatter the usual perception of the past and
illuminate the present. I have long enjoyed this program – it covers
subjects I am very interested in.
In Conversation (Mondays 0315) – is a Radio National interview series
on science subjects, hosted by Robyn Williams, who shows up in several
different Radio National science shows each week. The Amazon, climate
change, the theory of flight, and new thinking on evolution have all
been recent subjects of In Conversation.
Ockham`’s Razor (Tuesdays 0315) – is also a returning, Robyn Williams-
hosted show from Radio National. Like In Conversation, Ockham`s Razor
is an interview program about science, but more about the mix of
science and ethics. This, too, has long been one of my favorites on
Radio Australia and Radio National.
Lingua Franca (Wednesdays 0315) is a returning weekly Radio National
program looking at all aspects of language – old languages, modern
languages and even invented languages. Recent subjects have included
English as it`s spoken in India and the decline in serious reading
over recent years.
In The Loop (Sundays-Thursdays, 2330 to Mondays-Fridays, 0130) is a
new Radio Australia-produced series celebrating the cultures and
peoples of the Pacific. Each day In the Loop highlights the trends,
opportunities and challenges the 21st Century brings to the Pacific
region. In the Loop is a magazine program, with music interludes and
other Pacific-focused features.
Saturday Night Country (Saturdays 1210-1600) is a country music
program produced by ABC Local Radio and hosted by John Nutting, one of
the most prominent promoters of country music in Australia. He’s well-
regarded here in the USA as well, having been named the International
Broadcaster of the Year by the Country Music Association of America
based in Nashville.
What I find so interesting is that there is still a hugely diverse mix
of content at the ABC (particularly Radio National) that is not
carried on Radio Australia but is still likely to be very interesting
to a worldwide audience. Speaking of Radio National, there are funding
issues swirling about the ABC that could wind up curtailing the depth
and quality of the programming produced by Radio National. While the
loss of quality programming on Radio National would be a loss for
Australia, it’s a loss for anyone who appreciates good radio anywhere.
Thanks again to Roger and John for alerting me to this info in time
for the March Journal (via Richard Cuff, Easy Listening, March NASWA
Journal via DXLD)
** BOTSWANA. 4930, VOA, Mar 9, 0454-0500, English, TC: ``6 minutes to
the hour,`` African sports news, fair, // to São Tomé on 4960 (poor)
and 6080 (good) (Ron Howard, Monterey, CA NRD545, with T2FD antenna,
DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** BRAZIL. Ontem, dia 08/03/2005, por volta das 23:30, "horário de
Brasília", [= 0230 UT March 9] sintonizei a Rádio Guarujá Paulista, em
3385 Khz. Ao perceber os sinais dela nesta freqüência, fui até 3400
kHz, e já não mais havia sinais por lá. Devo crer, que foi
implantantada, definitivamente, a nova freqüência da Guarujá Paulista.
73 (Francisco Jackson dos Santos, March 9, radioescutas via DXLD)
Radio Guarujá Paulista changed again the 90 m frequency. The actual
frequency is 3385 kHz (no more 3400 kHz). To send reception reports:
Radio Guarujá Paulista
a/c Orivaldo Rampazo, Director
R. José Vaz Porto 175
11431-190 Guarujá-SP, Brasil
Also, it is possible to use following electronic address:
radioguarujaam @ radioguarujaam.com.br
73s, (Rudolf Grimm, São Bernardo, SP, BRASIL, via bclnews.it via DXLD)
** CANADA [non]. Montréal, le 8 mars 2005 NEWS RELEASE
Radio Canada International has signed a new agreement with Radio
Nacional Argentina (RNA), Argentina’s national public radio
broadcaster. Under the agreement, RNA will broadcast the weekly
Spanish-language program La semana canadiense, produced by RCI’s
Latin-American section.
RCI already has over 30 partner stations in Argentina, which regularly
rebroadcast program segments and reports. These are among the nearly
350 partner stations in 75 countries that air RCI programs for
millions of listeners. RCI produces programming in English, French,
Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and
Ukrainian. It is available worldwide via the Internet, analog and
digital shortwave, and satellite. RCI is celebrating its 60th
anniversary this year.
COMUNICADO
Radio Canada International tiene el grato placer de anunciar un nuevo
acuerdo con Radio Nacional de Argentina (RNA), la radio pública
nacional en este país sudamericano. La radio pública argentina
difundirá semanalmente la emisión "La Semana Canadiense", producida en
español por la sección latinoamericana de RCI.
Radio Canada International cuenta en la actualidad con más de 30
radios asociadas en Argentina, las que ofrecen regularmente a sus
oyentes segmentos de programas y reportajes de RCI. Actualmente, cerca
de 350 estaciones de radio asociadas en 75 países difunden para
millones de oyentes programas radiales producidos por RCI.
Radio Canada International ofrece diariamente al mundo sus emisiones
en inglés, francés, árabe, cantonés, mandarín, español, portugués,
ruso y ucraniano.
Estos programas pueden ser escuchados en todo el mundo, ya sea por
Internet, ondas cortas analógicas y numéricas o mediante satélite.
Este año, Radio Canada International tiene el gusto de celebrar su
sexagésimo aniversario.
COMMUNIQUÉ
Radio Canada International annonce une nouvelle entente avec Radio
Nacional de Argentina (RNA), la radio publique nationale d’Argentine.
Celle-ci diffusera sur une base hebdomadaire l’émission ``La Semana
Canadiense`` produite en espagnol par la section latino-américaine de
RCI.
RCI compte déjà plus de 30 partenaires en Argentine qui rediffusent
régulièrement des segments de ses émissions et reportages. Rappelons
que près de 350 stations partenaires dans 75 pays reprennent ses
productions pour les diffuser à des millions d’auditeurs. RCI produit
en anglais, français, arabe, cantonnais, mandarin, espagnol,
portuguais, russe et ukrainien. On peut entendre RCI partout dans le
monde soit sur Internet, ondes courtes analogiques et numériques ou
via satellite. RCI célèbre cette année son 60e anniversaire.
-30- Source / Information : Denis Pellerin
Directeur des communications, RCI
Direction générale Promotion, Analyse et Diffusion
Radio française et RCI
(514) 597-4204 denis_pellerin @ radio-canada.ca (via DXLD)
** CANADA [and non]. THE TWENTY-FOUR HOUR NEWS CYCLE
Media Critiques, By Lyndsay Carter, Mar 9, 2005, 08:45
A strong jolt of caffeine does little to prepare me for the shock of
seeing a dishevelled Saddam Hussein in the custody of the United
States Army - especially on a Sunday morning. I sit on the couch with
a notebook and instinctively click to CNN for the latest update. The
endless loop of the former Iraqi dictator undergoing the most public
delousing in history quickly loses its impact, so I click to find the
Canadian reaction. As the news of Hussein's capture spreads, CBC
Newsworld and CTV Newsnet react to the story in surprisingly different
ways. Newsnet picks up CTV's main network feed and runs extended event
coverage, cutting away to mandatory two-minute news updates every 15
minutes. Newsworld is much slower to react . . .
http://www.axisoflogic.com/artman/publish/article_16159.shtml
Glenn - I thought you'd find this interesting. Comparative analysis of
24-hour news reporting (Rich Cuff, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** CANADA. JOB OPENING: ACTION ALERT NETWORK COORDINATOR, Canadian
Journalists for Free Expression Toronto, Ontario Canada
http://www.idealist.org/en/jobs/8365:221/134499:156
(via Dr Hansjoerg Biener, DXLD)
** CHILE. Mar 09 2300 UT, Es + TEP 47900, FM music Santiago, good
signal, EM60 florida de KW4RZ (http://dxworld.com/tvfmlog.html via
DXLD)
** COLOMBIA. 1819.92 harmonic, Ondas de Porvenir, Samaca, 5 March,
0940 to 1000, mentions de Colombia, so not the Dominican close by.
3300.11, harmonic, Emisora Ideal, Planeta Rica still the only signal
here 0900 to 1000, // 2200v. Still no sign of the Guatemalan. 5 March
(Robert Wilkner, Pómpano Beach FL, Japan Premium via DXLD)
** COLOMBIA. 6010.18, La Voz de Tu Conciencia, Mar 11, 0745-0832,
English-Spanish religious program, preacher in English says a few
sentences, followed by Spanish translation, non-stop, except at 0805
Spanish ID, fair-good with light QRN/QRM (Ron Howard, Monterey, CA
NRD545, with T2FD antenna, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** CUBA. PHILATELIC CONTEST 2005 --- On the occasion of the 25th
anniversary of the first Cuban-Soviet Space Flight, Radio Havana Cuba
invites you to participate in a philatelic contest whose question is
as follows: WHAT’S YOUR OPINION ABOUT THE STAMPS ISSUED IN YOUR
COUNTRY OR THE WORLD, ON THE SUBJECT OF SPACE? Every participant will
be awarded Cuban stamps. Besides, there will be 30 special prizes
consisting in Cuban stamps dedicated to the Space. Contest deadline is
December 31st, 2005 (via MALIK AMEER BAKHSH, WORLD WIDE DXER,
PRESIDENT, UNIVERSAL LISTENERS CLUB, QUAID E AZAM ROAD, MAILSI -
61200. PAKISTAN, dxldyg via DXLD) Is the importation of Cuban stamps
into the US still banned? (gh)
** EGYPT. Sensacional --- Rádio Cairo se mantém em português !!!!!
Caros amigos, O Célio Romais, que mantém um frequênte canal de contato
com a Rádio Cairo, a qual capta regular e frequentemente, recebeu
correspondência do Departamento Português da emissora. Nesta
correspondência, a Rádio Cairo lhe enviou a programação completa das
emissões para o período de Janeiro a Junho de 2005.
Desta maneira, com esta correspondência comprovamos que a emissora
continuará, em tese, as suas emissões em lingua portuguesa até, pelo
menos, junho de 2005.
Acredito que esta resolução tenha ocorrido após o grande volume de
correspondência que eles receberam com a campanha que foi realizada
pelo DX Clube do Brasil. Gostaria de deixar aqui o meu agradecimento
pessoal ao espírito de participação de todos aqueles que cooperaram
com esta campanha que agora nos mostra que conseguiu realizar o
objetivo que queríamos e adiar o fechamento das transmissões, os quais
já estavam programados para o final do ano passado.
Incentivo a todos a ouvirem as transmissões em português desta
emissora que está se mostrando tão atenciosa com seus ouvintes de
lingua portuguesa. Além disso a emissão fornece uma grande condição de
conhecermos um pouco mais deste país tão exótico como é o Egito.
Eles tem muita atenção em divulgar as correspondências recebidas no
programa "Conversando com os Ouvintes" que vai ao ar nas emissões das
quartas feiras e nos sábados.
As emissões da Rádio Cairo são diárias, sempre na frequência de 11790
kHz e no horário de 2215 às 2330 horas UT. Eles são excelentes
pagadores de cartões QSL e recebem correspondência em:
Radio Cairo
Serviço Internacional
Emissões em Português
Caixa Postal 566
Cairo - Egito
E também pelo E-Mail: Brazilian _prog@e... [truncated]
Um abraço a todos, (Adalberto Marques de Azevedo, Barbacena - MG,
radioescutas via DXLD)
** EQUATORIAL GUINEA. I listened to Radio East Africa in English
program on 15190 from 0627 to 0743 UT on February 26, 2005. Mainly
religious talk and songs. I confirmed ID at 0641 and 0642 as 'Radio
East Africa'. SINPO-22332. QRM: Radio Japan on 15195 (Yasuhiro
Shiozaki, Japan, Japan Premium via DXLD)
** ETHIOPIA. R. Fana, 6209.92, *0257-0315+ March 6, IS, 0300 opening
announcements in vernacular with ID; 0308 local horn of Africa music.
Irregular; // 6940, both frequencies poor in noise (Brian Alexander,
Mechanicsburg PA, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** EUROPE. SWINGING RADIO ENGLAND: 3939.83, Mar 6, 2311-2330, I was
extremely surprised to be able to hear anything at all here. Although
I detected a carrier as early as 2253, it wasn't until 2311 when the
audio faded up & I could recognize "It Don't Come Easy". Perhaps this
reception was aided by very disturbed propagation conditions, as the A
index was 29 at the time. SINPO 22432 during the audio peak. (George
Maroti, NY, Free Radio Weekly via DXLD)
** FRANCE. Sounds like another strike has begun at RFI. Fill music
heard beginning at 2300 UT (Mike Cooper, Mar 9, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
After a half-hour of fill music, RFI seems back to normal, so maybe no
strike (Mike Cooper, 0108 UT Mar 10, DXLD)
French radio and television were affected on Thursday by a strike.
France Inter's 7/9 morning show was replaced by music, according to
Agence France Presse. France Info didn't carry news reports and France
Culture was also affected. The midday news broadcast on television
channel France 3 did not air and was replaced by regional newscasts
(Mike Cooper, 1356 UT Mar 10, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** GUIANA FRENCH. RFI FRENCH GUYANE RELAY STILL WITH PROBLEMS
Hi Glenn, Each day I listen RFI in French at 0130 UT on 9800 kHz. Last
Tuesday (08th march), I notice a lot of short cuts (less than 2
seconds) and Thursday, no sign of RFI: I switched on the radio at 0128
UT and neither was the Spanish program at 0100 to 0130 UT there!
Sincerely (Thierry Fricot, Mexico City, March 11, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** INDIA. WORLDSPACE`S NEW TUNE
Nelson Vinod Moses, New Delhi March 09, 2005
By 2010, satellite radio will have 35 million subscribers in the US,
states a JP Morgan study. In India, WorldSpace, the sole satellite
radio operators, is targeting 1.55 lakh subscribers by the end of
2005. The target is modest as the company's Indian arm, WorldSpace
India, failed to impress the Indian consumer when it first launched in
1999, despite offering digital audio and exclusive content. . .
http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage.php?storyflag=y&leftnm=lmnu4&leftindx=4&lselect=5&chklogin=N&autono=182860
(via Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) see also INTERNATIONAL VACUUM
** INTERNATIONAL INTERNET. GETTING UP-TO-DATE PROGRAMMING INFORMATION:
INEXPENSIVE COMPUTERS AND INTERNET ACCESS
Why am I mentioning personal computing and Internet access on-the-
cheap? Because the Internet is clearly the best way to get detailed
advance information on programming topics from international
broadcasters. Broadcasters have largely moved to web and e-mailed
information, distributing very little substantive program details via
paper. In late 2004, the BBC World Service, for example, stopped
printing a paper-based program guide for the first time in many years.
A detailed programming guide is now made available via e-mail, and
program details for current editions of various features are posted on
the World Service website.
Many of these same broadcasters offer daily or weekly e-mails with
upcoming programming information; the near-instant capability to
update listeners, coupled with the minimal cost of managing an e-mail
list, makes this a very efficient way to obtain programming
information. This also provides maximum flexibility to the
broadcasters, allowing them to make topical programming decisions at
the last minute. Some broadcasters also offer RSS feeds, another handy
way to be updated on a regular basis.
Here`s a list of the broadcasters I know of that maintain mailing
lists where you can find out about advance program information:
Australia: The most efficient way to be notified of advance
programming information for Radio Australia is to join one of the
mailing lists (such as swprograms) where John Figliozzi provides an
extremely comprehensive twice-weekly summary of all programs airing on
Radio Australia. As I mentioned above, many RA programs originate on
the domestic Radio National service, and many of these programs offer
their own weekly and daily updates of programming topics. Visit the
Radio National website at http://www.abc.net.au/rn and click on your
favorite program title for more information and links to a newsletter
subscription page.
Canada: The domestic CBC Radio service offers several different e-mail
lists you can subscribe to; some are issued daily, covering programs
like Sounds Like Canada and The Current; visit http://www.cbc.ca/ and
click on E-mail Newsletters in the left margin. While Radio Canada
International doesn’t offer a similar service, their website
http://www.rcinet.ca offers updated program information.
Czech Republic: Radio Prague issues daily newsletters with programming
information; both the Radio Prague Today and News newsletters include
information on upcoming Radio Prague programming. You can subscribe by
visiting http://www.radio.cz/en/ and clicking on Daily News Sent to
You by e-mail in the left margin.
Germany: They may be tough to hear on shortwave, but Deutsche Welle
provides a daily programming highlights e-mail that includes detailed
information on two or three DW programs each day. Friday’s program
topics cover programs airing on the coming Monday and Tuesday. From
the main DW website, http://www.dw-world.de --- click on English and
then Newsletters & Service.
Japan: Radio Japan issues a weekly NHK World E-Guide that has upcoming
programming topics; visit the main NHK website at http://www.nhk.or.jp
--- click on English and then Weekly Program Info to subscribe.
Annoyingly you`ll have to do time conversions for this e-mail to be
useful – the only time zone used is Japan Standard Time (JST). [UT +9]
Netherlands: Radio Netherlands offers two weekly newsletters: Media
Network includes a summary of recent media-related stories posted on
the Radio Netherlands website; Programme Preview covers the coming
week`s programming in detail. Visit the website at http://www.rnw.nl -
-- then click on Listening Guide and Weekly Newsletter to subscribe to
the programming preview; from the home page, click on Features and
then Media to find the link to subscribe to the weekly Media Network
newsletter.
Sweden: Radio Sweden offers daily program previews that tend to be
issued after the morning release but before the evening release
targeting North America; visit http://www.radiosweden.org and click on
E-mail Mailing Lists for a choice of three e-mail lists, one of which
is a daily programming topic summary.
United Kingdom: While most folks would probably consider the BBC World
Service the most technologically savvy international broadcaster, the
Beeb underutilizes e-mail as a communications tool. For their monthly,
albeit comprehensive, programming highlights e-mail, visit
http://www.bbcworldservice.com --- click on Radio Schedules and E-mail
Network for this monthly e-mail. If you are a fan of the domestic
Radio 4 service, there’s a comprehensive weekly text newsletter you
can subscribe to by visiting http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4 --- then
clicking in the Weekly Newsletter at the bottom of the page. Many
individual Radio 4 programs offer their own newsletters; one example
is Crossing Continents. Check each program’s individual web page for
more info (Richard Cuff, Easy Listening, March NASWA Journal via DXLD)
** INTERNATIONAL VACUUM. WRN CHANNELS ON WORLDSPACE SATELLITE RADIO:
Beginning Friday the 15th April, all WRN channels on WorldSpace
Satellite Radio will be encrypted and available by subscription only.
To continue receiving the best global news and international cultural
programmes from WRN after this date, you need a WorldSpace Satellite
Radio Gold subscription which costs USD9.99 per month. We have
negotiated a special deal for all WRN listeners of only USD6.99 per
month for the first 12 months if they mention WRN in their
communications with WorldSpace Satellite Radio.
As well as WRN, your WorldSpace Satellite Radio Gold subscription
gives you access to a host of other world-class digital radio channels
(including other international news providers such as BBC World
Service, Radio France Internationale, CNN) providing you with the best
in international news, music and sports.
Learn how to subscribe by visiting www.worldspace.com or email
customerservice@worldspace.com
Listeners in India can call toll free 1 600-44-5432 or send an email
to india@worldspace.com
If you live in Southern Africa, call WorldSpace Satellite Radio in
Johannesburg on +27 11 293 9298.
And if you are listening in the Middle East then call WorldSpace
Satellite Radio in Dubai on +971 4 299 7003.
In France contact WorldSpace Satellite Radio on +33 (0) 5 6143 8289 or
email rcv-fr @ worldspace.com. Visit the WorldSpace Satellite Radio
France website at http://www.worldspace.fr
If you are living in the following countries: Denmark, Finland,
France, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, the Netherlands, New Zealand,
Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand call +800 22 06 99 01
(an international toll free number).
THE MOVE TO SUBSCRIPTION
In recent years WorldSpace has evolved its business model with the
introduction of subscription. Even as early as 2000 the company was
testing audience acceptance of subscription satellite radio with
limited national and regional offerings in India, South Africa and
Europe.
In early 2004, WorldSpace introduced the Home Team Radio and Brits
Abroad subscription offerings aimed at American and British
expatriates. This subscription model is now extending and will
eventually cover all the channels available on WorldSpace.
The model for subscription radio is establishing itself as one
direction for the delivery of multiple channels of digital radio to
listeners. In the US, we see this with the success of both Sirius
Satellite Radio (which carries WRN) and XM Radio, as well as the AOL
Radio player and mp3 download sites like audiofeast.com.
We understand and appreciate that for some listeners the introduction
of subscription will be unwelcome and may mean that they decide not to
subscribe to keep listening to WRN via WorldSpace Satellite Radio. We
hope that many of you will keep listening. Please send us your
thoughts and opinions about this change to letters@wrn.org.
We will be issuing more information next week. (WRN Newsletter)
Best Regards, (via MD. AZIZUL ALAM AL-AMIN, GOURHANGA, GHORAMARA,
RAJSHAHI-6100, BANGLADESH March 11, DXLD) See also INDIA
** IRAN. A05 irb 05-mar-2005 IRB;
days all: 1234567; dates all: 270305 301005
FREQ STRT STOP CIRAF ZONES LOC POWR AZIMUTH SLW ANT
ENGLISH:
15600 1030 1130 41 KAM 500 100 0 218
17660 1030 1130 41 KAM 500 109 0 216
9635 1530 1630 41,49,50,54 SIR 500 105 0 218
11650 1530 1630 41,49,50,54 KAM 500 100 0 211
7205 1930 2030 27,28 KAM 500 304 0 215
9800 1930 2030 52,53,57 SIR 500 211 0 218
9925 1930 2030 52,53,57 KAM 500 205 0 216
11660 1930 2030 27,28 SIR 500 313 0 218
11670 1930 2030 27,28 KAM 500 304 0 215
11860 1930 2030 27,28 SIR 500 313 0 218
9495 0130 0230 7-10 KAM 500 336 0 216
11875 0130 0230 7-10 SIR 500 328 0 218
SPANISH:
15530 0530 0630 27S,28S,37,38 KAM 500 289 0 215
17785 0530 0630 27S,28S,37,38 SIR 500 300 0 218
7300 2030 2130 27S,28S,37,38 KAM 500 289 0 215
9650 2030 2130 27S,28S,37,38 SIR 500 295 0 211
9655 0030 0230 11-15 KAM 500 274 0 215
11610 0030 0230 10-13 KAM 500 304 0 215 -p[unexplained]
7220 0030 0330 37,38,13-16 KAM 500 259 0 215 157 [???]
9905 0030 0330 12-16 KAM 500 259 0 215
(English and Spanish only excerpted and rearranged into time order by
Glenn Hauser from a complete IRIB A-05 schedule via Swopan
Chakroborty, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** KOREA SOUTH. According to Mr. Tohru Yamashita of Asian Broadcasting
Institute, Radio Korea International has changed the name to ``KBS
World Radio`` as from March 3, which is the 32nd anniversary of
today`s KBS (Korean Broadcasting Public Corporation). The new name was
selected from the 10 candidate names voted by all the KBS employees,
finally decided by the president of KBS, and announced to the public
on February 22. After the change, former RKI site has changed to
http://world.kbs.co.kr/ integrated with their international TV
broadcasting ``KBS WORLD``. E-mail addresses including ``rki`` have
also changed. That of Japanese section was changed to japanese @
kbs.co.kr from rkijp @ kbs.co.kr French section to french @ kbs.co.kr
from rkifrench @ kbs.co.kr (Takahito Akabayashi, Japan, March 11, DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
** LATVIA. Relay from Latvia on 9290, Radio Marabu 13th March, 1300 UT
(Tom Taylor, March 10, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Until?
Saludos cordiales, Reiner Palma, me envia este Email con la direccion
de Radio Marabu, el telefono, fax, el Email y la web.
RADIO MARABU e.V. - Postfach 1166 - D 49187 Belm - Germany
Tel.: 05406/899484 -- Fax: 05406/899485 E-mail: marabu @ radio-
marabu.de Homepage: http://www.radio-marabu.de Europe´s radio station
for alternative music (José Miguel Romero2, Noticias DX via DXLD)
** NEPAL. Re don`t try to QSL R. Nepal: This is rather strange. As
Nepal QSL'd both of my MW reports from back in 93 & 94. I first logged
792 and then after fellow DXer Bruce Portzer helped ID my second log
on 576 khz, I sent another report and got a QSL card again. At that
time things were much better and the reports were sent direct, but
someone on the staff knew what QSLing was about at that time. Never
logged on SW though. Maybe the person that answered the reports is no
longer there. This is a real shame, but I guess the unrest in the
country also has a lot to do with it. Hopefully things will improve in
the future. 73s, (Patrick Martin, Seaside OR, KAVT Reception Manager,
March 10, NRC-AM via DXLD)
** NIGERIA. NAGARTA RADIO: BUILDING ON LISTENERSHIP TRADITION
"Since Nagarta Radio started test transmission on March 7, 2004 it has
made significant impact on information dissemination in its area of
coverage which includes the 19 northern states. Listeners have
testified that its signals are received in Niger Republic, Cameroon
and Chad beyond the country's borders and as far south as Lagos and
River States within.
"The private radio station has a digital [sic] 60 kilowatt transmitter
which is received on 747 kimohertz [sic] on the medium wave band.
Originally, Nagarta Communication Ltd was granted a frequency
modulated (FM) license in 2002 to operate from Gusau, the Zamfara
state capital, but according to the Director General of the National
Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Dr Silas Yisa, the management was
advised to move to a more central location in Kaduna and have a medium
wave licence for a wider coverage."
Full story at http://allafrica.com/stories/200503090709.html This one
isn't listed in WRTH 2005 as far as I can see. Or does March 7, 2004
mean March 7, 2005? (Andy Sennitt, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** OKLAHOMA. Not much of a report, but I was able to hear KFNY last
Saturday from around 1600 to 1700 UT up here in northern (Marysville)
Kansas. I'm not sure how much power it is running, but signals were
steady with only a couple of deep fades during that time. Since it was
the first time I'd heard anything on 1640 I can't compare it to
previous observations. It was also the first time I'd heard any Enid
station this far north.
Perhaps it was a fluke due to low sunspot counts or it's a normal
occurrence due to lack of interference in the expanded band. However,
as I recall, I also heard KOKC (ex KOMA) during that time period which
is unusual in my experience (Nate - Wireless | Amateur Radio Station
N0NB Bargmann, March 10, dxldyg via DXLD)
Nate, Like almost all x-band stations, it`s 10 kW in the daytime. I
should think you could get it any day by groundwave. The signal would
be somehwat reduced in your direction, but you are not in a total null
of their directional pattern. So you normally cannot hear it at all in
daytime? 73, (Glenn, Enid, ibid.)
Hi Glenn, Do you know if a call change is planned for the new sports
format? The Kfunny call looks odd with Fox sports hi! 73's (Barry
Davies, UK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Don`t know, haven`t spoken with them myself, but I would expect so, as
they have changed a couple times before (Glenn, ibid.)
** PERU. 3172.69, Radio Municipal, Panao 1030 to 1107 ``en el mundo y
Peru``, ``Radio Municipal Peru`` ID by male announcer, program
dominated by flauta andina; February (Robert Wilkner, Pómpano Beach
FL, Japan Premium via DXLD)
** PERU. Quito 10/3 2005 *** Thursday edition: *** Recording of Radio
Sallique, Sallique, Jaén, Cajamarca. With this short audioclip I want
to close down this long time problem "6329.11 kHz unID Peruvian". The
name of the station is Radio Sallique transmitting from Deparamento
Cajamarca, Provincia Jaén, Distrito Sallique. The station is
transmitting very irregularly and the sound quality is not good but
has been active the last 4-5 days with close down around 0130 UT. The
recording is from this evening Thursday. Note: this is my personal
opinion, if you do not agree - tell me! Thanks to Alfredo Cañote,
Henrik Klemetz and Rafael Rodríguez for help. Comments, photos and
recordings at: http://www.malm-ecuador.com 73s (Björn Malm, Quito,
Ecuador, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** PERU. R. Victoria, 6020.25, 0503-0515+ March 6, tune-in to NA, 0505
into usual Portuguese [Portuñol] preacher. Fair; // 9720 = very weak
(Brian Alexander, Mechanicsburg PA, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** POLAND. POLISH SOLIDARITY HERO LECH WALESA DENOUNCES CATHOLIC RADIO
STATION
ENI-05-0152 --- By Jonathan Luxmoore, Warsaw, 8 March (ENI) --
Poland's former president, Lech Walesa, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate,
has accused the country's largest Roman Catholic radio station of
stirring up hatred through its broadcasts and has urged the
authorities to remove its operating licence. . .
http://www.hard-core-dx.com/archive/swprograms/msg01733.html
(via Joel Rubin, swprograms via DXLD)
** PORTUGAL. Good morning, I was able to check the RDP during their 21
minute long news bulletin this morning at 0800, and the signal delay
between the RDPi via São Gabriel (9815) and via Sines (11660) was 4 or
nearly 4 seconds. The same time delay was also recorded between the
RDP-1 via the nearest MW station and the RDP-1 via the 95.7 Lisbon
transmitter, housed, like others, in the Navy radio station at the
Monsanto hill in the capital. It comes to mind, however, that I'd
already noticed shorter delays, possibly depending on how the signal
is handled, this applying to both the signal from Sines as well as the
MW one.
I wanted to make another observation today, and used 15690 kHz to the
ME+India: it's synchronized with RDP-1 on VHF, but MW is still nearly
4" behind, this applying not just to the nearest MW outlet on 666 kHz
but also to others. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, March 10, DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
Still re the delays, I checked this again last evening (Thurs, 10 Mar)
when the RDPi was relaying some international football match during
another extra broadcast (which ended even before 2300) and the MW
outlets were again 4 seconds behind the FM transmitters and the RDPi
on SW. This morning, I noticed the same thing, but --- RDP Madeira 531
kHz was on par with RDPi and 95.7 MHz while other (mainland) MW
outlets were about 4 seconds behind. A contact within the Pro-Funk
station in Sines said to me yesterday that the RDPi signal is simply
picked up by the digital satellite receiver and "thrown" into the
transmitter, no other "treatment" is carried out, so he says the delay
must have something to do with the coding / decoding process which may
not be coinciding 100%, hence the delay, so no Pro-Funk equipment or
signal treatment is causing that. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal,
March 11, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** PORTUGAL. Neste sábado e domingo, 12 e 13 de março, a RDP
Internacional fará emissão extraordinária, entre 2000 e 0000 UT, pela
freqüência de 15555 kHz, na faixa de 19 metros. A emissora quer saber
como anda a qualidade do sinal neste canal. Espera informes de
sintonia, que serão contestados com o devido QSL, no seguinte endereço
eletrônico: isabelsaraiva @ rdp.pt. 73s! (Célio Romais, Porto Alegre,
Brasil http://www.romais.jor.br Noticias DX via DXLD)
** SAIPAN. In morning bandscans I continue to run across KFBS on
12120; March 11 at 1335 with a special English talk on suicidal
religious cults; 1347 into Vietnamese song and talk, but before 1400
back in English briefly referring to http://www.radioenglish.net and
1400 KFBS ID. I am rather amazed at the signal strength of this
service aimed at Vietnam, almost due west from Saipan. Wonder if there
is something wrong with their antenna. Quite listenable despite
constant co-channel RTTY of similar strength. Here`s the FCC listing:
12120 1300 1430 KFBS 100 278 43S,44S,49 1234567 311004 270305 12130
Several Spotlight programs are audible via
http://www.radioenglish.net/contentie.htm
but I don`t see the one about cults. Who`s really behind Spotlight?
This page http://www.radioenglish.net/about.htm is not very
informative but includes the FEBA and Words of Hope logo; obviously
they have some missionary agenda of their own:
``WHO MAKES SPOTLIGHT? Spotlight programs are made by a partnership of
experienced international broadcasters. The partners share common
values in the areas of love of the English language and caring concern
for people, families, and societies everywhere. We provide these
programs as a public service to radio stations who need good, safe,
and reliable programs to offer their English learning listeners.``
(Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** SYRIA. 12085, Radio Damascus; 2017-2026+, 4-Mar; News in English to
2020 Arabic music. 2024 "You're tuned to ? of the Syrian Arab
Republic, Radio Damascus", then commentary in English about US Mid-
East policy. SIO=432+ with transmitter hum? USB helps due to 12080
Voice of America in French via Botswana (Harold Frodge, MI,
DXPedition, MARE via DXLD)
** TAIWAN. Fu Hsing Broadcasting Station (15250) sent me a QSL card
in Chinese and English after 31 days for my report in Chinese. The
verification signer was Mr. Xieyi Zhao, Station Manager. Memory card
box, paper knife, and key holder were also enclosed as souvenirs.
According to him, SW broadcast on 15250 kHz has been continued from
August 23, 1993 with 10 kW of power for the purpose of communication
between Taiwan and Chinese mainland. The station welcomes reception
reports in English or in Chinese; no reply postage is required. The
address; 5, Lane 280, Sec. 5, Chungshan North Road, Taipei 111. URL:
http://www.fhbs.com.tw E-mail: fushinge @ ms63.hinet.net BTW ``Fu
Hsing`` means ``rehabilitation`` or ``reconstruction`` in Chinese
(Takahito Akabayashi, Tokyo, Japan, March 11, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** TAIWAN [non]. Un saludo cordial, este Email de R. Taiwan es para
comunicarnos la nueva frecuencia a partir del 27 de Marzo. Hola: Solo
para avisar el cambio de frecuencia para Europa, 2000~2100 en 5975 kHz
a partir del 27 de marzo. Muchas gracias por su atencion (via Jose
Miguel Romero, Noticias DX via DXLD) Via UK?
** UGANDA. JOB OPENING: SENIOR RADIO TRAINER UGANDA.
Institute for War and Peace Reporting
Salary : To be agreed
Location : Kampala, Uganda
Closing Date : 24.03.2005 00:00
Posted Date : 02.03.2005 00:00
http://www.oneworld.net/job/view/10909
(via Dr Hansjoerg Biener, March 10, DXLD)
** U K [non]. Hello Glenn, [A-05], WYFR will relay BBC on 9605 kHz,
222 degrees, at 1200-1300 UT (Evelyn Marcy, WYFR, March 10, DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
Presumably English as BBC has no Spanish during that hour, at least
not in B-04. That`s the hour WYFR programming was withdrawn from in a
revision, but continues before and after.
From the VT A-05 schedule, the first entry must be outdated since we
already had info that WYFR programming goes into the 0000-0300 block,
and the second one lacks a site! But it looks like Delano as before:
11835 0000 0300 smtwtfs BBC Okeechobee 50 285 English C AM
11835 0300 0500 smtwtfs BBC 250 121 English C AM
(Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** U K. GET MORE FROM BBC NEWS PLAYER
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4310053.stm
Last Updated: Thursday, 10 March, 2005, 13:41 GMT
The BBC News Player has launched a new search feature giving you more
choice and flexibility over the wide range of video and audio
available.
Use the search box at the top of the player to find national and
international news reports or the latest BBC TV news bulletins and
watch it when it is convenient for you.
Search the range of special in-depth coverage from Oscar night
highlights to survivor accounts of the Asian Tsunami.
Video is available in either Real Media or Windows Media formats while
items are available in either broadband (256k) or narrowband (56k).
It is simple. If you are not sure about connection speeds or formats,
we will guide you through.
Easy to use
We have made using the BBC News Player as easy as possible.
Whether you are an experienced or first time user, when you click on
BBC News audio or video you will get this screen.
This is called the BBC Media Selector. It tells you how we think your
computer is set-up. If you are happy, click yes. If you are unsure,
simply click on the test my connection speed button and Media Selector
will double check for you.
You only have to do this once - and then whenever you play BBC News
media, we will provide you with the best possible quality for your
computer.
Finding BBC News Player
You will then find the News Player by one of two routes. Either:
If you have clicked on this button at the top of the page, you will
launch the news headlines section within the player. You can then
explore a wealth of content.
Or:
If you have clicked on any individual video or audio item - from
inside a text story or from one of the index pages - you will launch
that item within the player. Once you have watched you can either
close the item down and return to your text page or explore the
player.
There is a 'Help' section in the player that will show you how to make
the most of what is on offer or you can watch Darren Jordon's
introductory video guide.
You can also use News Player to reach other BBC media players:
BBC News Player includes:
The latest stories from home or abroad, available on demand
Live coverage from BBC News 24 of major breaking stories
The BBC One, Six and Ten O'clock news, story by story
Live coverage of big news events
The latest headlines from BBC News 24, constantly updated
Ability to search all video and audio content
In depth reports that give the background to a story
(via Dan Say, March 10, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** U K. BBC 'IDENTIFIES £40M MORE CUTS' --- Tuesday, 8 March, 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/4329781.stm
The BBC may increase its £320 million cost-cutting plan by £40 million
after an internal review identified areas where additional savings can
be made.
Director general Mark Thompson said on Monday that savings would be
reinvested in programme-making and new services. "We've done a lot
more detailed work since December, since the savings plan was
announced," he said on Monday.
The cutbacks are expected to be felt most keenly among administration
and professional services staff.
In December, Mr Thompson said savings of £320 million a year were
needed to "keep up with the pace of change".
About 2,900 jobs are to be cut, while almost 2,000 employees are
expected to move from London to Manchester.
The BBC aims to meet the savings target within three years. However, a
BBC spokeswoman said further savings had been identified locally
following a departmental review.
She added that while the corporation has not changed its original
savings target, it would be unlikely to turn down the chance to make
additional cutbacks where available.
Speaking at the Financial Times New Media and Broadcasting Conference
on Monday, Mr Thompson said he would ask the BBC board of governors to
approve the revised plans at their March meeting.
The corporation has already pledged to seek 15 per cent efficiency
savings in "output areas" such as news, radio and TV.
Mr Thompson's announcement coincided with the launch of a new
editorial strategy for programmes, content and services.
The Creative Futures project, he said, "will address the needs of our
audiences as we enter the second phase of the digital revolution".
(via Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD)
** U K. THERE'S NO STOPPING CARDBOARD SHOES
March 8, 2005 06:44 --- By Jonathan Barnes
BROADCASTING legend Keith Skues has promised his listeners he will
never hang up his headphones - even if they will be hearing less from
"Cardboard Shoes" in the future. The 66-year-old is preparing to
adjust from hosting five shows a week on the regional BBC radio
service after a schedule revamp and admitted the change would be a
shock to his system. . .
http://www.eadt.co.uk/content/news/story.asp?datetime=08+Mar+2005+06%3A44&tbrand=EADOnline&tCategory=NEWS&category=News&brand=EADOnline&itemid=IPED07+Mar+2005+18%3A44%3A56%3A630
(via Tom Roche, DXLD)
** U K. UK POLICE BLITZ SHUTS 10 PIRATE STATIONS
TEN pirate radio stations have been shut down in a series of dusk and
dawn raids. Operation Silent Night - which hit 10 Haringey estates,
including Warren Court and Newbury House - was part of a crackdown on
illegal radio stations suspected of having links with organised
crime...
http://www.hornseyjournal.co.uk/content/haringey/hornseyjournal/news/story.aspx?brand=HCEJOnline&category=news&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newshcej&itemid=WeED09%20Mar%202005%2010%3A23%3A21%3A907
(via Ken Kopp, March 9, dxldyg via DXLD)
** UNITED NATIONS [non]. UN RADIO A05
7150 1700 1715 .mtwtf. UNR Meyerton 100 76 Non-Specific S AF
11735 1700 1715 .mtwtf. UNR Meyerton 500 342 Non-Specific S C AF
17720 1700 1715 .mtwtf. UNR Skelton 300 180 Non-Specific N AF
7150 1730 1745 .mtwtf. UNR Meyerton 100 5 Non-Specific E AF
15495 1730 1745 .mtwtf. UNR Skelton 300 110 Non-Specific ME
17810 1730 1745 .mtwtf. UNR Ascension 250 65 Non-Specific W C AF
15105 1830 1845 .mtwtf. UNR Skelton 300 110 Non-Specific ME
17560 1830 1845 .mtwtf. UNR Rampisham 500 169 Non-Specific N AF
(from VT A05 schedule via Michael Bethge via Wolfgang Bueschel via
Andreas Volk via Alokesh Gupta, dxldyg, rearranged by gh into time
order; surely same languages as always including English 1730, DXLD)
** U S A. LUBAVITCHER/CHASSIDIC RADIO: 1709.96, Brooklyn NY, 0156-
02009+, 6-Mar; M in monotone English with feature about home schooling
with Dr. Herschel Reid. Fair+ with QRM sounding like Spanish (Harold
Frodge, MI, DXPedition, MARE via DXLD)
** U S A. INFINITY SELLS SAN FRANCISCO'S KFRC-AM TO FAMILY STATIONS
Thursday, March 10, 2005 --- In a historic deal, Infinity has sold
Oldies KFRC-AM --- once one of America's foremost Top 40 stations ---
to noncommercial religious broadcaster Family Stations for $35
million. Family, headed by President Harold Camping, owns 45 other
stations including KEAR-FM/San Francisco, which can be heard on 61 FM
translator stations across the U.S. Strong rumors have emerged that
the two parties aren't done, with KEAR and its monster 80 kW signal
going to Infinity or another broadcaster involved in the negotiations.
Media Venture Partners brokered the deal.
With the sale, it's the end of an era for the 610 kHz signal in the
Bay Area: Under the ownership of RKO-General, KFRC in 1966 changed
from MOR to Top 40 under famed programmer Bill Drake. Among the many
talents to work on the air at KFRC-AM: Jack Armstrong, K.O. Bayley,
Chuck Browning, Dave Diamond, Dale Dorman, John Mack Flanagan, Bobby
Ocean, Mike Phillips, Dr. Don Rose, Rick Shaw, Shana, Dave Sholin and
Don Sainte-Johnn. Additionally, R&R Smooth Jazz Editor Carol Archer
preceded Sholin as KFRC's MD, holding the position from 1968-71.
The station saw many years of success, but like many AMs lost
listeners to FM in the early 1980s. In August 1986 KFRC-AM moved to
Adult Standards as "Magic 61." In the mid-1980s the station briefly
became the "KFRC Game Zone" --- a creation of consultant Walter Sabo
that mixed contests with music. In most recent years KFRC-AM
simulcasted its FM Oldies sister, returning the music that made the
station legendary to the 610 AM signal (radioandrecords.com via Brock
Whaley, DXLD)
** U S A. Kiss another frequency goodbye!! This is getting pathetic.
Just had a new (local) K-Love translator sign-on today on 88.1. Let`s
see - that makes a K-Love affiliate locally/semi locally on 88.1,
90.9, and 91.1. Also have a WAY-fm on 89.7. I should have enough
'radio religion' to save me all the way to --- hmmmm
I have one major question - when you have a full power (in this case
KLDV 91.1 Morrison CO - 100 kw/v - 40 kw/h) broadcasting a service
such as K-Love, why is it necessary to have translators broadcasting
that same service in the exact same signal area? Does that make any
sense??? (Jim Thomas, wdx0fbu, Milliken, Colorado, 40 mi N of Denver
40.19.230'N 104.51.510'W, Yamaha TX-900/APS 13 @ 20'/RDS mgr.,
Total Recorder V5.0 & MP3 Wav Editor V4.4, March 7, WTFDA via DXLD)
Jim, you've got a ways to go. As I've mentioned before here, K-Love,
Air-1, and others of their ilk have about 15 frequencies occupied
here. I have only 4 truly open frequencies in the "non-commercial"
band. And one of them will be occupied soon (Dave Williams, Redmond,
OR (near Bend, OR) 44:15:24N 121:11:47W - Grid Square CN94 FM6m 15'
AGL, Denon TU-1500RD Tuner w/RDS, RDS Decoder / Total Recorder / Power
Mp3 Editor 2005 pro, March 8, ibid.)
It makes sense only to the local church/religion affiliated group
which went on a fund raising venture to create money to build the
translator(s). A form of tithing (Bob Cooper safely in New Zealand,
ibid.)
Absolutely - it's called block the channel so that nobody else (in
your case perhaps the WAY-FM folks or maybe still another group) can
put a translator there. They won't be able to block a 'regular'
assignment but other translators - sure - it's first on, you win.
(Russ Edmunds, Blue Bell, PA ( 360' ASL ), [15 mi NNW of
Philadelphia], 40:08:45N; 75:16:04W, Grid FN20ID, FM: Yamaha T-80 &
APS9B @15'; AM: Hammarlund HQ-150 & 4' FET air core loop, ibid.)
** U S A. GROUP ASKS FCC FOR LOW-POWER LICENSE FREEZE
March 10, 2005 --- A group of organizations have asked the FCC for a
complete freeze of all low power FM applications because they "have
discovered evidence of a massive trafficking scheme" involving
translator licenses to religious oraganizations. Included in the group
asking for the freeze on granting licenses are the Prometheus Radio
Project of Philadelphia, United Church Of Christ, National Federation
Of Community Broadcasters, Future Of Music Coalition, Free Press, and
National Lawyers Guild, among others.
In the filing, the groups accuse three individuals -- Clarke Parrish,
Earl Williamson and Dana Atkin -- of using "two dummy corporations" to
apply for over 4,000 translator licenses and then using loopholes to
sell the licenses to religious broadcasters who, in turn, pipe in
satellite programming, which is an obvious contradiction to the spirit
of localism behind the granting of LPFM licenses.
The two companies in question are Radio Assist Ministry and Edgewater
Broadcasting. A third company, World Radio Link, was also named in the
filing and alleged to be a dummy company used "to aggressively market
the naked construction permits." The filing details the sale or trade
of over 85 licenses for a potential profit of $800,000.
In the filing, it is alleged that "the applicants have managed to
exploit numerous loopholes in the Commission's translator assignment
rules." It also alleges that "Parrish, Williamson and Atkin sought to
hide their conduct from the Commission raising the concern that the
permits were obtained by fraudulent means," and then asked the FCC to
consider revoking the permits.
The groups state that "allowing the sale of naked construction permits
in the broadcast services is contrary to the public interest and
corrupts the integrity of the Commission's processes. The harm to the
public is particularly onerous here, because these translator licenses
come at the expense of future low power FM stations." The filing then
asks the commission to "impose an immediate freeze on all applications
related to the Translator Window." (FMQB.com via Brock Whaley, March
10, DXLD)
** U S A. New license may seal rfb's fate
The Federal Communications Commission has approved construction of a
low-power local radio station, which may mean the end of radio free
brattleboro. The FCC granted Vermont Earth Works Inc., of Dummerston,
the right to build a 100-watt radio station at 107.7 FM. That company
wants the frequency to be a community radio station, open to the
public.
"It means that it's a vehicle, a legitimate vehicle for community
radio to continue to exist," said Deb Forrett of Vermont Earth Works.
Radio free brattleboro, meanwhile, has pledged that if another
nonprofit community station came in town, it would step aside. That
was one stipulation of a town meeting resolution passed last year. . .
http://www.reformer.com/Stories/0,1413,102~8860~2750664,00.html
(via Andy Sennitt, dxldyg via DXLD)
** U S A. FCC CHIEF BIDS FAREWELL, SUCCESSOR UNKNOWN
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Federal Communications Chairman Michael
Powell on Thursday bid farewell as chief regulator -- or self-
described deregulator -- of the telecommunications and media
industries.
Powell, 41, touted competition among companies as the best way to
serve consumers, but he lost a battle to ease regulations on big media
companies and leaves for his successor several proposed telephone
mergers to decide.
President Bush has yet to name a successor, but there is a long list
of possible candidates, including current Republican FCC Commissioner
Kevin Martin and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Pat
Wood, among others.
Other candidates for chairman include Michael Gallagher, an assistant
secretary at the U.S. Commerce Department, and Rebecca Klein, who
headed the Texas public utility commission.
"While you may disagree civilly, you continue to be committed to help
the welfare of the citizens, which is all we're sent here to do,"
Powell said as he attended his 90th and last open FCC meeting. "I've
loved it, every single day."
Powell, who will leave the agency next week, is the son of former
Secretary of State Colin Powell and was appointed as FCC commissioner
in 1997 before being named chairman in 2001.
He battled to insulate new Internet-based communications from some
regulations that apply to traditional telephones and aggressively
pushed broadcasters and TV manufacturers to finish the transition to
digital television.
But Powell failed in an attempt to ease restrictions on how much of
the media landscape a company can own and was pushed by his fellow
commissioners into cracking down on television and radio stations that
aired indecent material.
At Thursday's meeting, the FCC split 3-2 -- as they often do on big
issues, between the three Republicans and two Democrats -- over
regulating phone bills. They forced wireless carriers to describe
charges more clearly but also blocked states from requiring carriers
to give certain fee details.
Commissioner Michael Copps, one of the two Democrats who often opposed
Powell, said the decision would likely do more harm than good by
limiting states' role over regulating bills.
"The explosion of new services and the line items and fees
accompanying them have made it more difficult than ever for consumers
to compare rates and shop around," Copps said.
CRITICAL DECISIONS
The FCC has critical decisions to make in the coming months: whether
to approve mega-mergers proposed by telephone companies, deciding what
rules apply to new Internet-based video and phone services and how to
finish the digital television transition.
Companies like AT&T Corp. and Verizon Communications are seeking a
light touch for new Internet services as well as approval for their
combinations with SBC Communications Inc. and MCI Inc., respectively.
The agency will also have to grapple with other rules that have been
sent back or challenged in court, including media ownership
regulations and rules for smaller telephone carriers to gain access to
networks owned by the major local carriers.
After surprising opposition from both sides of the aisle in Congress,
Powell's attempt to allow media companies to expand was put on hold by
a federal appeals court.
He also had to battle for almost two years to set the telephone
network regulations, overcoming opposition from fellow Republican
commissioner Martin. These rules are again being challenged in court
by the major local phone providers.
"The next chairman in many ways will be left with a long laundry list
of issues that were not addressed under Powell," said Medley Global
Advisors analyst Jessica Zufolo. "The merger applications that are
pending will also be a monumental task that will require significant
resources." (via Bill Hale, TX, March 10, NRC-AM via DXLD)
** U S A. KUTR 820AM is now testing. They've been running the same
continuous loop well over a week now. Just test tones and IDs saying
"KUTR Taylorsville" and "KUTR 820am". Taylorsville is a Salt Lake
suburb. They're 50 kW. Nighttime is less power and very directional, 6
towers --- kinda cool to see. This station is owned by Bonneville. A
friend of mine who works for them confirmed that they are making
preparations for IBOC on their FMs as well as KSL. So look for more
splatter coming to a western dial near you soon. I never thought
they'd do it. KSL is the cleanest station on the dial around here ---
mainly because they're NOT cc-owned and don't hammer the crap out of
their processing like the CC stations do. They also have not jumped on
the CC bandwagon and lowered their bandwidth to 5 kHz. I guess they
will be, though. :( (Michael J. Richard, WY, March 9, ABDX via DXLD)
Station supposed to have a radically new format for women (gh, DXLD)
** U S A. Final arrangements have been made for me to conduct an audio
proof of performance on WNTP 990 tonight [early Sat March 12]. This is
the test that had been rescheduled from last Friday night because I
had the flu.
Test will include various tones (50, 100, 200, 400, 1K, 2K, 4K, 6K,
8K, 10K) to measure frequency response and distortion. Tones will be
transmitted at 95%, 75%,50% and 25% modulation using the station's
main transmitter at 50 kW and Daytime Antenna. It will then be
repeated using the main transmitter at 10 kW and Nighttime Antenna.
There will also be periods of silence while I check noise and due some
tuning on the transmitter and phasor.
Les Rayburn sent me a recording of a female voice with an English
accent to announce the station and I will be using this periodically.
The ID says, "This is WNTP performing transmitter testing. WNTP.
Whiskey-Norway-Tango-Papa testing."
If you missed the WNTP Test in December or were unable to receive it
because of the auroral conditions that night, this will be anther
change to catch it. The test will commence at 0501 UT (0001 EST) and
continue until completed, or 0700 UT (0200 EST) whichever comes first.
I want to remind you that this is NOT a DX test, but equipment
performance measurements and adjustments. So there will be no unusual
warbler tones or the like to help single out the station. But,
hopefully, the test tones will help, especially those in the 2-6K
range.
René F. Tetro, Chief Engineer
WNTP/WFIL
117 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444-1901
Phone: (610) 828-6965 Extension 41 Fax: (610) 828-8879
Email: rtetro@xxxxxxxxx [truncated] (Forwards to both home and work)
(IRCA via DXLD)
** U S A. I got to change a station format yesterday --- WVOJ AM 1570
There's a new company purchasing the Florida Sports News Networks
stations, WNNR 970 and WVOJ 1570. FSNN just kept the Sporting News
Network rolling on 970 WNNR, and a lessee was operating 1570 WVOJ
Fernandina Beach, FL. The lessee apparently agreed to carry
programming for this month until the new company (folks who lease
Jacksonville's 1160, er Callahan, FL's 1160) take both stations over
as LMA while the purchase is worked out.
The outgoing 1570 lessee bailed, leaving 1570 dark. The GM asked me to
figure out programming to keep the station 'warm'. Much of the in-
studio equipment at the studio-transmitter site was relocated to
another studio during the previous LMA.
Yesterday at home in my garage pseudo-studio I extemporaneously
bleated a dozen liners/legal IDs into my mic into my PC's Cool Edit
program, then proceeded to draw music I already recorded into the same
PC's hard drive in cue, and using a standalone CD player I played
oldies from the 70s mostly and placed a liner over the intros or
between each song. I made a 66 minute loop (all done in haste) and
then brought the CD, along with a walkman CD player and wall-wart to
the studio and patched it into the studio console at the transmitter
site. Our local oldies station in Jacksonville, FL Cool 96 point nine
WKQL flipped to Holiday music and then to classic Rock, on Christmas
afternoon. So it filled an oldies hole in the market, sort of. Now
100.7 flipped to oldies! They were classic Rock until this morning.
It was fun listening to my little show via post sunrise DX about 100
miles away on 1570 (10 kW NDA). I don't know how long it will last
until the new folks launch the new Spanish Visa satellite format on
1570. Catch it pre-local sunset skip and I'll verify (Ron Gitschier,
Seeking the fun in Radio, Palm Coast, FL, March 8, NRC-AM via DXLD)
[Later:] Uh, a waterspout, presumably in the intracoastal waterway,
took out electric power for Amerlia Island, FL (Fernandina Beach) so
the oldies will be on hold until the GM goes to Fernandina and resets
the loop CD when we get power back to the studio/transmitter site.
This just happened a short while ago. Hope it wasn't a tornado taking
the station out. DOn't know yet, I'm 100+ miles away to the south. Ron
Gitschier WVOJ Annr/Tech for the interim.
[Later2:] Last Night I had to set up a Uninterruptable power supply
for the Walkman CD player (via wall wart) going into the Dynamax main
control console to feed the Oldies audio loop I put on WVOJ 1570. So
we're back in business. I'd imagine most of the FL DXers can get WVOJ
1570 Fernandina Beach on post sunrise and pre sunset skip. The sole
tower is in a salt marsh a few blocks from both the Port of Fernandina
and Downtown Historic Fernandina Beach, FL, and 10 kW daytime and
about 235 watts PSSA, 30 watts overnight. I made the loop and liners
quite hastily in response to a lessee bailing out on his lease a bit
sooner than he needed to go.
So it's fun playing geeky radio host once again on a station that has
-some- degree of 'get-out-ability' on skywave and is also a coast-
hugger. I'm now producing more loops here on my home PC hooked to a CD
audio standalone recorder and plan to have a little more fun while it
lasts. This is just a placeholder kind of format doing oldies (mostly
70s Pop).
I am now working on making a second loop for about 80 minutes length
that, like the current loop has tons of legal IDs but also has morse
code during one or two of the liners.
Someone had posted a thirty second commercial of our dream spot buyout
for the NRC. If that person could post that script again, I'll put it
as a feature every thirtyish minutes, with morse code on the station
while I'm still the programmer (Ron Gitschier, Palm Coast, FL, March
10, NRC-AM via DXLD)
** U S A. Suspect WLAC IBOC is trashing 1500 and 1520 up here near
Chicago this evening, Monday, 3/7. Have to "null" the trash on 1500
to hear WTOP (Tom Jasinski, March 7, NRC-AM via DXLD)
I can confirm the WLAC IBOC was on as of 10:35 Monday night (Doug
Smith W9WI, Pleasant View (Nashville), TN EM66, ibid.)
KOKC-1520 was totally obliterated last night by IBOC trash. There goes
the neighborhood! (Bill in Fort Worth Hale, ibid.)
And WOAI-1200 was running IBOC last night as well, trashing 1190 &
1210 (Randy Stewart, Springfield MO, ibid.)
Did I miss something? I thought that IBOC was not permitted for
nighttime operation (at least not yet?) (Les Rayburn, Birmingham, AL,
ibid.)
To the best of my knowledge, IBOC is still daytime only, except in
certain isolated experiments/tests that have been allowed (Rene
F. Tetro, Chief Engineer, WNTP/WFIL, Lafayette Hill, PA, ibid.)
My guess, given that both of the stations involved (WOAI and WLAC) are
Clear Channel-owned, is that there was some sort of testing going on
under the terms of a Special Temporary Authorization, similar to the
tests that we've all noted earlier on WOR, WLW and what was then WSAI.
I'll ask around. s (Scott Fybush, NY, ibid.)
Actually, I would love to see all the stations that currently run
daytime IBOC to test for a week or so with nighttime IBOC. Most of the
stations currently lit up are class A and larger class B AM's. A few
nights with good skywave conditions would be very interesting to see
interference wise. I hope they do it before the final R&O comes out
for IBOC (Paul Smith, W4KNX, Sarasota, FL, ibid.)
Agreed. I would like to see every station that has IBOC capability to
run it 24/7 till May 1st, and leave it on despite complaints of
interference. If there is a problem, let's see how it works in the
real world (Fred Vobbe, ibid.)
Note, too, that WLAC's IBOC was noted off the air (during the day)
last week. Which leads me to believe some modifications were made to
the equipment. Which, in turn, they may have been testing last night.
(A test I'd say they failed) I doubt the WLAC nighttime IBOC
last night was a mistake. One would think it would be turned on/off by
the same mechanism that handles the pattern change. But WLAC was
definitely on night pattern last night, and indeed I've never caught
them on day pattern at night. Unfortunately I have no contacts at WLAC
(Doug Smith, W9WI, Pleasant View (Nashville), ibid.)
I don't have the WLAC details in front of me, but I assume WLAC
switches to the night pattern at their LSS. IBOC can be used from 6AM
to 6 PM LT regardless of local SR and SS so I suppose it's also
possible someone forgot to manually disable the IBOC at 6 PM. Right?
(Chuck Hutton, ibid.)
If you check on the FCC Media Bureau site, you'll find that there is
no indication of WLAC holding any kind of STA for IBOC
experimentation. Of course, the FCC online data is not always
infallible. If they're still at it past sunset (1900) tonight,
somebody ought to give them a shout and ask for an explanation. Barry
(Barry McLarnon, VE3JF Ottawa, ON March 8, ibid.)
It is possible that WOAI and WLAC have experimental STAs, which
generally aren't listed anywhere on CDBS. There *are*, however,
records on CDBS for STAs of some sort that were issued to WOR, WLW and
WSAI in 2002, which seems to me to correspond roughly to the times
when those stations were testing IBOC at night. One would probably
have to contact the Media Bureau directly to find out for sure what
the status is... s (Scott Fybush, ibid.)
Reporting of STAs of all kinds is rather spotty in the FCC database.
About the only kind you can pretty much rely on finding are STAs for
reduced-power operation of digital TV stations. I heard the WLAC-IBOC
at night shortly after they began testing, and sent an email inquiry
to the only address I could find on their website (the GM) the next
morning. A day later I got a note promising to look into it but no
further response.
Many AM stations have more than one power/pattern change. To the best
of my knowledge WLAC isn't one of them (to my knowledge they have only
two patterns) but certainly remote control equipment should be capable
of dealing with the LSR/LSS pattern change *and* the 6am/6pm IBOC
change. I'm not awake at 6am and am at work at 6pm so haven't listened
to hear just how close to 6 the IBOC on/off times really are. That
would of course give a clue as to whether it's being controlled
manually or automatically (Doug Smith W9WI, ibid.)
The last few days I have noticed the typical IBOC hash on either side
of 50 kW WTOP, whose signal at night is heard all up and down the East
Coast. The hash effectively obliterates 1490 and 1510, but it appears
not to have artifacts further out. The Washington area's other IBOC-
enabled AM station, WBZS on 730, has effects that extend beyond the
adjacent channels. At 6:15 PM EST during the month of March WTOP turns
off the IBOC when they switch to their night-time directional array.
Regards, (Fred Laun, Temple Hills, MD, March 9, NRC-AM via DXLD)
** U S A. Re 5-042: after all the fuss about banning the Atheist from
Wife Swap, ABC-TV ran instead a Prime Time Live in that slot, Diane
Sawyer about the model who got hurt in the tsunami (Glenn Hauser, DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
** U S A. As ST told you last week, Dan Rather will cease hosting his
long-running CBS Radio commentary concurrent with his retirement from
the CBS Evening News anchor chair on Wednesday. But CBS News officials
tell ST that veteran CBS Early Show newsman Harry Smith will take over
the daily sesquiminute commentary slot on the network starting
Thursday. The vignettes have been called Dan Rather Reporting, and a
new name has not yet been announced (Radio & Records March 8 via Brock
Whaley, DXLD)
** U S A. A TEXAS FORUM FOR FRANKEN – ALBEIT FAINT --- Air America
Radio picks up KXEB, but will left-leaning listeners be able to hear?
08:07 AM CST on Friday, March 11, 2005
By COLLEEN McCAIN NELSON / The Dallas Morning News
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/nation/stories/031105dnnatfranken.9f130.html
Democrats, long drowned out in Dallas by conservative radio hosts, are
finding their voice. Al Franken will be up against Rush Limbaugh and
Bill O'Reilly in spirit and in radio ratings in Dallas. But some may
strain to hear it.
Air America Radio, the left-leaning network, is taking on Texas. Its
round-the-clock political talk will hit the air Monday in Austin and
debut March 21 in the Dallas area, replacing the Spanish-language
programming on KXEB-AM (910). Air America is already on in Corpus
Christi.
In North Texas, Air America's success could be limited by the reach of
the low-wattage station [1000/500 U4, Frisco]. Static nearly drowns
out KXEB in some areas, but officials at Border Media Partners, the
station's owners, said they were trying to strengthen the signal.
Air America executives, who called the expansion in Texas the high
point for the network, said Mr. Franken will find an audience, even in
President Bush's home state. "We're providing an alternative for a
minority that feels alienated," CEO Danny Goldberg said.
Comedian-turned-commentator Al Franken provides the star power for the
network, which has signed up 51 stations in less than a year. In North
Texas, his afternoon show will battle conservatives Rush Limbaugh and
Bill O'Reilly – a competition Mr. Franken relishes.
Also Online --- Tell Us: Is liberal talk radio DOA in North Texas?
Air America Radio (Official site)
"We don't lie. Rush lies all the time. ... He's ridiculous on so many
levels," said Mr. Franken, who will be in Austin for his first show on
KOKE-AM (1600).
Others aren't convinced that listeners will turn the radio dial to the
left. "You're in Bush country, you're a liberal, and you have a bad
signal. That's a lot going against you," said Jeff Hillery, program
director for KLIF-AM (570). (via Artie Bigley, DXLD)
** U S A. Sir: RE WOR 1265: === ``*Hams want to put every conceivable
island on the air even if they are not radio countries. Trying to get
Farallon Islands wildlife refuge opened to visitors, but denied as any
human presence would damage sensitive species; Not everywhere has to
be trampled by humans``
===
I should point out that you are missing some very salient facts about
the situation, including the reality that MANY "human feet" are
actually on The Farallón Islands. There is a great deception about
this matter by the Environmental Extremists, which is why a current
Congressional Sub-Committee investigation is underway.
FYI, there are currently EIGHT radio transmission antennas on
SouthEast Farallón, and a lot of informational research being kept
from the public (Eric Hilding, K6VVA, Project NA-178 (Ham Radio IOTA
DX-pedition) Team Leader, March 11, DX LISTE3NING DIGEST)
** VENEZUELA. MEDIA RESTRICTIONS COME INTO FORCE ON 8 MARCH | Excerpt
from report by Javier Pereira and Katiuska Silva: "Content regulations
to go into effect without technical rules" published by Venezuelan
newspaper El Nacional web site on 7 March
Three months after the Law on Social Responsibility in Radio and
Television was published in the Official Gazette (No 38,081 of
December 2004), the restrictions on elements of sex, language,
violence and health will come into effect tomorrow [8 March], as will
the application of three blocs of scheduling, guarantees for
Venezuelan music and limits on soap operas and lottery programmes.
This is what has been established in the phased plan for implementing
the most controversial elements of the law on content, designed with a
single transitory set of rules. In this second stage, article 7
becomes fully activated, and the requirements of articles 11, 14 and
18, in part.
The National Telecommunications Commission [Conatel] has been
preparing for this day for months. Conatel Director Alvin Lezama
guaranteed that they have sufficient technical resources to monitor
all signals and to detect any irregularity: "In fact, we have been
undertaking detailed monitoring of television and radio stations,
because one must recall that that is one of the commission's legal
responsibilities, beyond what is established in the Law on Social
Responsibility in Radio and Television".
Lezama did not wish to commit himself to giving the results of the
monitoring - carried out by his office since 7 December - of how media
has met the law on contents: "I would not like to issue a premature
judgment, but I can say that our analysis reveals that there has been
a change. The channels have modified the broadcast times of certain
programmes and taken others off the air. Broadcasters have been trying
new schedules and one can see the difference, but I believe that it
will be much more intense after Tuesday [8 March]."
The Conatel director rejected any possibility of further delaying the
coming into force of these regulations and said that his office will
take it upon itself to guarantee that they are complied with to the
letter. [passage omitted] Source: El Nacional web site, Caracas, in
Spanish 7 Mar 05 (via BBCM via DXLD)
** WESTERN SAHARA [non]. AOE / ALG / CLAND --- you just pick the title
that fancies you. The Polisario Front was inaudible today on both 700
& 7460 kHz when checked at 0740; they were pretty active yesterday
evening though, the 700 kHz being the best due to heavy co-channel QRM
on 7460 (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, March 10, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
The Polisario Front noted today, 11 Mar, at 0735 on 700 kHz with a
fair signal, no \\ 7460 kHz. Gone or, most probably, f/out at recheck
0810 (obs'ed s/off around 0900 on Fri, 4 Mar). It's far from being
regularly steady on a daily basis. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal,
March 11, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
ARGELIA, 7460, Radio Nacional de la República Arabe Saharaui
Democrática, 2330-0003, programa en español, locutor, noticias sobre
el Frente Polisario y sobre la política territorial de Marruecos,
otras noticias, intervalo musical entre cada noticia, identificación:
"Esta es la Radio Nacional de la República Arabe Saharaui
Democrática", canciones en inglés. A las 0003 desapareció la señal.
34333. (Marzo 9). (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** ZIMBABWE [non]. SW Radio Africa, clandestine, 3230, 0315-0345+
March 6, local African music, English talk but difficult to understand
due to high noise level. 0328 caught ID when giving website as
swradioafrica.com Poor in noise and slight co-channel QRM from numbers
station on high side (Brian Alexander, Mechanicsburg PA, DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
Re jamming: Seems to be true. Just saw this on their Website: "Our
signal is being deliberately jammed, so we are going back to 4880Khz
in the 60 metre band. Please pass it on." (Andy Sennitt, Holland,
March 10, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Hi Glenn, SW Radio Africa on 6145 yesterday evening, 10 March at sign
on 1602 UT was heard with deliberate jamming, which I reported on from
to you as from Monday 7th. However some audio was heard with a station
announcement that they were aware that their broadcast was being
jammed (from earlier reports during this week) and offered listeners
to tune in to 4880 (SWRA's winter frequency from Meyerton 100 kW).
4880 was heard in the clear for around 15 minutes, then the jamming
signal was directed on to 4880, a frequency only announced on air a
few minutes earlier! 4880 was jammed effectively from around 1625 to
1900 UT close down.
Sentech is very much in assistance to SW Radio Africa to help them
combat this recent jamming issue. They are providing alternative
frequencies and monitoring information on the deliberate jamming,
which appears to be coming from the State of Zimbabwe's- ZBC (Zimbabwe
Broadcast Corp.) transmitter site at Gweru, located in Central
Zimbabwe. Currently, only one jamming transmitter is being used.
Glenn, that`s all for now; I wish I could release more information to
DXLD but as it is a crisis situation here I am unable to do so. What I
can mention regarding the new early morning SWRA Medium Wave 1197
transmission 0300-0500 UT, is that they are expecting upgraded
components to arrive at the transmitter site (Lesotho) by the end of
this week so will be improving their signal as from next week to the
Northern parts of Zimbabwe. I guess they are making repairs/
replacements to the old BBC 100 kW MW transmitter located at Lancers'
Gap near Maseru, Lesotho? Finally, SWRA's new early morning SW
frequency 3230 (0300-0500 UT) from Meyerton is not being jammed at
present. 73s (David Pringle-Wood, Harare, Zimbabwe, 1431 UT March 11,
DX LISTENING DIGEST)
BTW, jamming of SWRA is now getting fierce (David Pringle-Wood,
Zimbabwe, 1630 UT March 11, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Our broadcasts are being deliberately jammed – which obviously means
that we`re doing a good job! Please bear with us while we try to
overcome this problem. We`re now on Plan B. For the full three hours
of evening broadcasts (6-9 pm Zim time) we will be on 3230 in the 75
[sic] metre band. For the first hour of evening broadcasts (6 - 7 pm
Zim time) we will also be on 6145 in the 49 metre band. Don’t forget
medium wave and shortwave broadcasts in the morning. 5 – 7 am Zim time
Medium wave on 1197, Shortwave on 3230, And 24 hours a day on
http://www.swradioafrica.com (Gerry Jackson, Station Manager, SW Radio
Africa, March 11, Tel: (44) (0) 2083871407, Mobile: (44) (0)
7789874019 (via David Pringle-Wood, Zimbabwe;
http://www.zwnews.com/issuefull.cfm?ArticleID=11427
via Mike Terry, DXLD)
Hi Glenn. SWRA tonight has been effectively jammed now by two
transmitters of the State of Zimbabwe. (ZBC) SWRA announced that 3230
only on air this evening would be in operation, but this was also
jammed from 1745 UT. Another jammer was on 4880 and also 6145 but
moved to 3230. Two jammers are now in use; both can switch from
SWRA`s: 6145, 4880 & 3230 frequencies in minutes.
Its actually something in my 25 years of DXing that I find unpleasant,
to have to play a' Cat and Mouse' game to listen to broadcasts that
get jammed as soon as they are mentioned on air.
From the station Director no less, sent before this evening`s jamming
of 3230. Which I can now send to you as the jamming of SWRA is
current. A pretty lousy day in Africa (David Pringle-Wood, March 11,
DX LISTENING DIGEST)
**********************************************************************
Starting tonight 6145 for the first hour, 3230 for the full 3 hours.
The thinking is that they haven't jammed 3230 in the mornings. They
may not have the kind of transmitter that can jam this frequency. We
shall see. We will also have a third frequency next week - but it's
not possible to organise it till then.
Earlier: It is possible to change jamming frequencies as quickly as
they did. It's not suspicious. Sentech is not being difficult. The
time we're on is the most popular and the transmitter is full. Up to
elections we can run concurrently on 6145 and 4880 for the first hour.
We are getting a third frequency today from transmitter in Ascension
(I don't have details yet). That will run for the first hour and a
half. We have no alternative cover yet for the final hour and a half.
It'll be interesting to see what the jammers do to the morning signal.
(SWRA via David Pringle-Wood, Zimbabwe, March 11, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Hi - please ignore the earlier mass mailing. We have revised the plan
and the following is currently accurate. The game is on ---
Our broadcasts are being deliberately jammed – which obviously means
that we’re doing a good job! We had Plan B but now we’re already on to
plan C!
For the full three hours of evening broadcasts (6 - 9 pm Zim time)
[1600-1900 UT] we will be on 3230 in the 90 metre band.
For the first hour of evening broadcasts (6 - 7 pm Zim time) [1600-
1700 UT] we will also be on 6145Khz in the 49 metre band.
And for that first hour we will also be on 11845 in the 25 metre band.
Yes we’re broadcasting on 3 frequencies. [presumably Ascension]
Don’t forget medium wave and shortwave broadcasts in the morning.
5 – 7 am Zim time [0300-0500 UT] Medium wave on 1197, Shortwave on
3230 in 90 metre band, 24 hours a day on http://www.swradioafrica.com
(SWRA via David Pringle-Wood, 2102 UT March 11, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Similar ZWE jamming occured in forefield and during ZWE elections in
Jan-March 2002. 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, Germany, March 12, DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
UNIDENTIFIED. Hello DXers, checking the MW band before going to work,
around 0430 UT, I noticed a severe BJ [bubble jamming] on 1116. I
checked the MW section in EMWG and WRTH, but nothing fishy there?? Any
ideas what this BJ is all about?? All the best, my friends, (Tarek
Zeidan, Cairo, Egypt, March 10, DX LISTENING DIGEST) As recently
reported, Djibouti`s 1116 recently refurbished, but unlikely involved
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIALS
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hi Glenn, Have you thought about starting to "Podcast" World of Radio?
(David Allan Boucher, "Bedtime Magic", Magic 106.7 WMJX - Boston,
(617) 822-6529 http://www.Magic1067.com http://www.BedtimeTonight.com
DX LISTENING DIGEST)
David, Not really. I`m not up on this. Seems to me there is already
plenty of access to WOR (Glenn to David, ibid.)
PUBLICATIONS
++++++++++++
NEW BLOG DEVOTED TO RADIO
Hi all, For some time, I've been wanting to play around with
"blogging" and finally took the plunge with a radio-related blog I've
created at the following URL: http://futureofradio.typepad.com/
This blog reflects my belief that we are in a period of rapid,
profound change in all aspects of radio and wireless, and new
technologies --- such as WiMax, podcasting, and satellite radio ---
will have significant impact on older media (such as terrestrial AM
and FM) as well as the radio hobby. The purpose of my blog is to
provide a forum to discuss such new technologies and their effects and
to discuss/ponder the future of hobby radio (including DXing, SWLing,
ham radio, etc.).
All of the items in my blog have open comments links so you can
comment upon all items as well as respond to previous comments.
This blog is not "members only" or by invitation; it is open to
everyone (although I can ban specific IP addresses if necessary).
Please feel free to pass along or publicize this information as you
see fit. My hope is that this can be a place for rational, intelligent
discussion of the future of radio and the radio hobby. 73, (Harry
Helms W5HLH, Wimberley, TX EM00, March 9, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Hi Glenn, Here's a permalink from my radio blog about a test program
in Finland to deliver real-time radio and TV programs to cell phone
users:
http://futureofradio.typepad.com/the_future_of_radio/2005/03/tvradio_broadca.html
73, (Harry Helms, ibid.)
A FANTASTIC DX LINKS SITE!
I just have to tell you about the most fantastic collection of DX-
links I have seen on the internet. It´s called "THE AC6V WEB SITE".
The owner of the site is:
AC6V, Rod Dinkins, 4982 Marin Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056-4973 USA, San
Diego County.
6,000 links on 132 pages! Visit this address: http://www.ac6v.com/
73s (Björn Malm, Quito, Ecuador, HCDX via DXLD)
No links to EMWG, PAL, Medium Wave Circle, BDXC, ... Seems nice for
people living in the Americas, but not for European (or Asian, ...)
people (Herman Boel, http://www.hermanboel.be ibid.)
Not really; no links to World of Radio either, nor malm-ecuador? (gh,
ibid.)
...and BCLNEWS (Robert Scaglione, ibid.)
Hi Robert, Glenn and others (thanks for all your mails)! As I wrote in
a private mail to Robert most DX sites that have some kind of dx-link
collection have 5, 10, 15, 20 links. Nothing compared to 6000 on
AC6V`s website. I can not blame him for having sites I`m not
interested in and of course I can not blame him for not having my own
small and invisible DX ID-site 73s (Björn Malm, Quito, Ecuador, ibid.)
RADIO-PORTAL.ORG
Well, some people are impressed by 6000 links. That's fine. What about
more than 41.000 radio related links, categorized, with explanations
in English and German, updated frequently (which means about 300
changes each month)?
I have checked every single URL myself. Further availability checks
are done by a software. You just have to create YOUR linklist
dynamically by a search. This works without having to know a specific
term, as the "Category Search" allows to use two categories for a
search, like 'Receivers' and 'Reviews' for example. Or 'Logs' and
'Tropical Bands'. Or 'Amateur Radio' and 'QSL-Information'. Well, you
got the idea.
There is a button to search for Audio recordings, Webstreams,
Webradios, Live TV. You will find "Starter's Info" with nearly 500
FAQs for all hobby related questions.
You can even offer or search for used hobby equipment. The whole
service is free, I never asked a DX friend for "contributions".
BUT: I simply do not want having to recommend my own work frequently
in mailinglists. That should be done by satisfied users. My time is
used better in adding new sites and keeping the database up-to-date.
And if I should continue to notice that public recommendations are
restricted to Google and Co (although I never understood the benefit
of some 100.000 search results) it makes no sense to keep on my work.
A service which isn't used is useless! It's up to you...
--
vy 73, Willi, DJ6JZ
_/_/ http://www.radio-portal.org
_/_/ The Radio Search Engine
_/_/ Willi H. Passmann Media Consulting
_/_/ Oberhausener Str. 100, D-45476 Muelheim
_/_/ Tel.: ++49-(0)208-77 93 99 (ibid.)
Hi Willi and thanks for interesting mail! I just want to say this:
there is nothing on internet to compare with your site:
http://www.radio-portal.org/
The only disadvantage with your site is that a "lazy" DXer want the
link collection ready for "clicking". I was not thinking of your site
as a link-collection, more as a search-engine. And guess what, I found
my own DX ID site on the first search! Thanks for the fantastic work
YOU are doing. 73s (Björn Malm, Quito, Ecuador, ibid.)
MW OFFSETS YG
For those interested in the latest information about off-frequency
radio stations like 782.97 Syria, 1169 Iran, and maybe Connelly's
1170.7 unID, Mauno Ritola has created a new Yahoo Group called "MW-
offsets" for discussion about radio stations operating off from their
nominal frequency on medium waves. The URL is
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mwoffsets/
(Bruce Conti, NRC IDXD March 11 via DXLD)
RADIO EQUIPMENT FORUM
+++++++++++++++++++++
TRAFFIC LIGHT INTERFERENCE?
I've noticed recently that a traffic light about a sesqui-block away
creates interference on at least a few frequencies (99.1, for
example). When the lights are green in the N/S lanes, the noise is a
little stronger (probably 3 or 4 dB) than when they are red.
Anyone else observe this anywhere? What portion of the light system
emits the interference? I had a similar problem in Boulder, CO, but
not quite this strong. Here, the signal is strong enough to
completely cover weak DX (Mike Hawk, Omaha, NE, March 8, Technics ST-
9030 tuner (IF mod), Conrad RDS, rooftop FM-13, WTFDA via DXLD)
Just to 'add' to your interference story, I've also noticed that
whenever a city transit bus pulls up next to me in traffic (or vice
versa), and I'm listening to a dxable frequency, the bus`s digital
route reader board, as it changes the readout information, makes a
wicked noise on my car radio. It`s so noisy that I either have to turn
the volume down all the way or tune to a local station (Jim Thomas,
wdx0fbu, Milliken, Colorado, 40 mi N of Denver, 40.19.230'N,
104.51.510'W, Yamaha TX-900/APS 13 @ 20'/RDS mgr., Total Recorder V5.0
& MP3 Wav Editor V4.4, ibid.)
I haven't noted anything to do with traffic lights, but have with
the buses, although I didn't realize what it was about them that was
causing it (Russ Edmunds, Blue Bell, PA ( 360' ASL ), [15 mi NNW of
Philadelphia], 40:08:45N; 75:16:04W, Grid FN20ID,
FM: Yamaha T-80 & APS9B @15', AM: Hammarlund HQ-150 & 4' FET air core
loop, ibid.)
Mike, I've seen this quite a bit on the car stereo. In particular,
flashing yellow lights cause a ton of hash. I'm not sure if it's the
light itself or the sensor/control (Dave Williams, Bend OR, ibid.)
HDTV and DTV
How dumb are the people setting TV sets--including HDTV. I have talked
to several who have no idea that local TV stations are broadcasting in
HD. They think that HD is available only on cable or satellite. And
some who know say you need an HDTV antenna. An analog antenna won't
work. When we bought our Samsung 26" HDTV I had to explain this to the
salesperson at Best Buy. Unfortunately, the local dealer who had all
the answers didn't have the low cost, smaller screen TV we wanted. A
"salesperson" at Target said they didn't have any HDTV sets while
standing in front of one with a built-in tuner. Very frustrating. The
ability to use an omni-directional antenna to receive DTV stations is
nice for the average viewer--such as my wife. We can watch Kansas City
DTVs with the antenna pointed to Kansas City (100km) as well as the
Topeka DTVs in the opposite direction without turning the antenna. All
are decoded fine. Of course, with the weaker Kansas City stations it
doesn't work to have the antenna pointed towards the Topeka stations.
For KC channels the antenna needs to be precisely aimed. Topeka
channels will come in OK no matter what direction the antenna is
pointed (Dave Pomeroy Topeka, Kansas, March 7, WTFDA via DXLD)
This is a very interesting topic. Here we are, DXers --- pretty savvy
tech types; and a lot of us (including engineers) have trouble
figuring out how to set up HDTV receivers (as well as configure other
digital devices). Often, the instruction manuals are inadequate and/or
confusing. Sometimes, things we think we need to know simply aren't
available.
That being the case, imagine the dilemma of a person who has trouble
setting the clock on a VCR, or figuring out how to use a few of the
basic features on a cell phone. That's almost everyone, isn't it?
I've contended for a long time that most consumer electronics have
become much too complicated --- and that the problem is getting worse
instead of better.
Sure, if you can figure out how to activate and access all the bells
and whistles, they can be very useful --- BUT I can't imagine that
*most* people are able to utilize anything but the most vital
functions of most electronic products they purchase ---and they
probably have to get help to do that.
Does this make any sense? Are most of us total morons? I don't think
so --- but I do think that design engineers have gone overboard to the
extent that much of what they've created is beyond the scope of most
consumers. Here's an example.
I got a TV set (analog) with "TV Guide+ Plus" built in as one of the
features. The instructions in the book were hopelessly vague, and the
on-screen prompts almost as bad. It took a couple of weeks of
experimenting to finally get the thing properly configured, with all
the little logo icons assigned to the proper channels. I can't imagine
anyone without at least moderate tech expertise coming anywhere near
getting this very useful function working properly.
Much of the same applies to computers, although it's easier to find
sales people and tech types who understand at least a little about
them. Likely, as HDTV comes into more widespread use (IF that ever
happens), folks will figure out how to get it up and running. Until
then --- GOOD LUCK. Any other thoughts on this? (Tom Bryant,
Nashville, TN, ibid.)
PROPAGATION
+++++++++++
THE NEXT SOLAR MAXIMUM THE SMALLEST IN 100 YEARS?
05 March 2005 | The latest research results by Drs. Leif Svalgaard,
Yohsuke Kamide at the Solar-Terrestrial Environment Laboratory, Nagoya
University (Japan) and Edward W. Cliver at the Space Vehicles
Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Hanscom Air Force Base
(Massachusetts) suggest that the Sun may be less active during the
next solar cycle than it has been during the last 100 years. . .
http://solar.uleth.ca/news/05Mar2005/index.php
(via Bill Smith, W5USM, DXLD) ###